The Apprentice: NBC Says Trump Still Under Contract

by Trevor Kimball, May 22, 2007

If you’re in real estate, you would think that you would be familiar with contracts. Well apparently, Donald Trump forgot to read his own with NBC.

Though the real estate mogul released a statement on Friday that said that he would not be doing another year of The Apprentice, NBC says he’s in fact under contract for a seventh season. So, even if he wants to do other things, the network could presumably force him to film another year. Given the ratings of season six of The Apprentice, I doubt that would happen but an NBC spokesperson said yesterday, “No decision has been made on an additional cycle (of the series) at this time.”

There are rumors that Trump may want to partner with News Corp’s FOX Business Channel that launches later this year.

If so, The Apprentice’s creator Mark Burnett may be involved. A representative for the reality show exec said, “Donald Trump is a television icon, and The Apprentice changed the landscape of reality television and remains a very strong ratings performer. In fact, its 18-49 ratings are better than several programs NBC decided to renew. Mr. Burnett and Mr. Trump will be in business together again very soon.”

If NBC exercises their Apprentice option by the June 1st deadline, it could certainly hinder Trump’s future TV plans. But hey, if the show does return for another season, it might be the most interesting one yet. What would be more enjoyable than a season where only the host wishes he were fired? Stay tuned!